Tongue muscle

Muscles of the tongue, from Gray's Anatomy

The tongue muscle is a complex structure primarily made up of several different muscle groups. It is an integral part of the human anatomy, playing a crucial role in speech, taste, and mastication.

Structure

The tongue muscle is divided into two main sections: the anterior two-thirds, known as the oral part, and the posterior one-third, known as the pharyngeal part. The tongue is composed of both intrinsic and extrinsic muscles.

Intrinsic Muscles

The intrinsic muscles of the tongue are those that are contained entirely within the tongue. These include the superior longitudinal muscle, the inferior longitudinal muscle, the transverse muscle, and the vertical muscle. These muscles allow the tongue to change its shape, aiding in speech and swallowing.

Extrinsic Muscles

The extrinsic muscles of the tongue are those that connect the tongue to other structures in the mouth and throat. These include the genioglossus, the hyoglossus, the styloglossus, and the palatoglossus. These muscles allow the tongue to change its position, moving it side to side, in and out, and up and down.

Function

The tongue muscle plays a vital role in several important functions. It is essential for the articulation of speech, allowing us to form different sounds and words. It also plays a crucial role in the process of mastication and swallowing, helping to move food around the mouth and down the throat. Additionally, the tongue is the primary organ of taste, with thousands of taste buds located on its surface.

Clinical Significance

Diseases and conditions that can affect the tongue muscle include glossitis, oral cancer, ankyloglossia (tongue-tie), and macroglossia (enlarged tongue). These conditions can lead to difficulties with speech, eating, and swallowing.

See Also

• Oral anatomy
• Speech production
• Taste